Author: space4knews

Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has accused Rahul Gandhi of using students for political purposes and disrupting the monsoon session of Parliament. He stated that when Rahul Gandhi and the Congress held a sit-in protest outside the Prime Minister’s residence, it violated security protocols and caused inconvenience to the general public. Although the government was prepared to discuss issues related to the NEET examination, the opposition prioritized political agitation over democratic debate, Pradhan remarked. Kathmandu, 6th Shrawan.

Expressing his views on Tuesday night via X, Dharmendra Pradhan said, “Lok Sabha opposition leader Rahul Gandhi and Congress have continuously used students politically. They have done so to disrupt the monsoon session of Parliament. Rahul Gandhi and Congress decided to stage a sit-in protest outside the Prime Minister’s residence, which caused problems for the public and ignored prescribed security rules.”

He further wrote, “The government had clearly expressed its readiness for a full discussion on the issue. However, Congress chose political demonstration over democratic debate. Their aim was not to find solutions for the students’ problems but merely to create obstruction to generate political headlines. For Rahul Gandhi, this issue is not about the students.”

Pradhan added, “Our government is fully prepared to discuss the NEET exam. The government is fully committed to addressing the genuine concerns of the youth in Parliament. Indian students deserve proper treatment rather than being part of political campaigns. They need trust, not chaos; solutions, not slogans; responsibility, not disruption.” He continued, “We are responsible not only for our students’ frustrations but also for accountability, reforms, and resolutions. Our government is fully committed to working on these matters.”

On Tuesday, Congress MPs led by Rahul Gandhi staged a protest, demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. They held a sit-in demonstration outside the Prime Minister’s residence at 7 Lok Kalyan Marg. Later, they were taken into custody. After a few hours, they and other detained leaders were released from Chhatrasal Stadium.

Summary: Parents should encourage and respect their children’s sensitivity as a strength rather than a weakness. Every child has a unique temperament and expresses themselves differently. Some openly share their emotions, while others may struggle to do so. Some enjoy being in groups, while others prefer solitude. Highly sensitive children often experience rapid emotional shifts, becoming happy and sad quickly. They may be deeply affected by others’ pain, unpleasant events, or situations, which can cause them to become tearful. Noisy environments can distress them, while beautiful things or acts of kindness inspire them. However, such temperament can sometimes lead to challenges. Occasionally, peers or others may tease or exclude these sensitive children because of their emotional nature.
How can parents support these children? – Respect their feelings. – Do not scold or force them to be silent when they cry. – Encourage them to express their emotions. – Reassure them that being sensitive to others is a positive trait. – Help them see their deep thinking as a strength. – If someone, whether a teacher, family member, or classmate, mocks or disrespects your child’s sensitivity, it must be stopped. Such behavior should not be tolerated.

The arrival of the first commercial cargo train from Kolkata, India, to Biratnagar has sparked a wave of enthusiasm among industrialists and entrepreneurs in the Morang-Sunsari corridor. Industry leaders express confidence that the cargo train service will reduce transportation costs by up to 40 percent and eliminate the hassles associated with road transport. Initiated after the removal of policy complexities, this service is expected to facilitate the import of raw materials from third countries more smoothly and help make Nepali products more competitive. (5 Shrawan, Biratnagar)

The cargo train that departed from Kolkata on Friday arrived in Biratnagar by Monday afternoon. Under the Nepal-India Transit Agreement, it is the first time that a cargo train carrying imported raw materials from a third country has directly reached Biratnagar from Kolkata, which has excited the private sector. Operating as a regular service for the first time, this train delivered raw materials to ‘Swastik Oil Industries,’ located in the Morang-Sunsari industrial corridor. Entrepreneurs who previously paid high costs transporting goods via road claim that the cargo train will reduce transportation expenses by up to 40 percent and lower risks.

Rajendra Raut, President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) Koshi Province, described the arrival of the cargo train in Biratnagar as a significant achievement for the private sector and noted that the service has invigorated the business community. “The cargo train service has fulfilled long-standing private sector demands and boosted industrialists’ morale,” he said. “It will also resolve problems associated with road transport.” He explained that delays, theft, and accident risks during road imports have previously hindered businesses, but cargo train transport will enable industries in eastern Nepal to compete effectively in the market. He added that consumers will also benefit from this development.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Environment has decided to remove Senior Veterinarian Dr. Naveen Upadhyay Ghimire from civil service. Following advice from the Public Service Commission, he has been dismissed under Section 59, Subsection (b) of the Civil Service Act 2049. Similarly, the ministry has initiated departmental disciplinary actions against 14 additional employees involved in similar cases. (5th Shrawan, Kathmandu)

The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Environment completed the departmental disciplinary procedure against Dr. Naveen Upadhyay Ghimire of the Department of Animal Services and decided to remove him from civil service. According to the ministry, following the provisions of the Civil Service Act 2049, the disciplinary procedures were finalized and previous advice was obtained from the Public Service Commission. Based on this advice, the ministry issued the departmental penalty under Section 59, Subsection (b) of the Civil Service Act 2049, which bars Dr. Ghimire from future government service eligibility.

The ministry has stated that the necessary departmental disciplinary actions will be completed against the concerned employees and that the Public Service Commission will be duly informed. According to ministry sources, disciplinary procedures are underway against 14 more employees involved in similar matters, with decisions pending after completing the relevant legal processes.

Summary: Prime Minister Balendra Shah announced the removal of a 3 percent equality fee imposed on the education and health sectors. Although he claimed to have consulted the Finance Minister, the Prime Minister made the announcement via social media without following the formal economic act procedures or obtaining a formal cabinet decision. Following intense public opposition, the government decided to withdraw the tax, and discussions are now underway to amend the VAT imposed on electricity as well.

5th Shrawan, Kathmandu – Until Tuesday morning, Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle was debating in favor of the 3 percent equality fee levied on education and health sectors. However, by afternoon, Prime Minister Balendra Shah suddenly posted on Facebook and X, declaring the fee removed. Although the Prime Minister mentioned consulting the Finance Minister prior to this decision, the abrupt implementation indicates that the taxes were repealed in violation of legal procedures.

This suggests that while the Prime Minister claimed to have consulted Finance Minister Wagle, the decision to reduce taxes was announced independently. There were reports of disagreements between the Prime Minister and Finance Minister regarding some budget policies. Since the budget presentation on 15th Jestha, the Finance Minister had defended the education, health, and electricity taxes for over a month and a half. With the Prime Minister suddenly removing two major taxes, it seems there was dissatisfaction with the Finance Minister.

Moreover, although the Prime Minister announced the removal on social media, the taxes have not been legally repealed as of yet. According to the Economic Act, taxes cannot be abolished simply via a Facebook post; a formal cabinet decision is required. The Ministry of Finance must submit a proposal to the cabinet when ministers are involved. According to two senior government sources, neither of these steps have been undertaken. “So far, the cabinet has not made any decision to reduce, withdraw, or exempt taxes,” said a senior government official.

If Finance Minister Wagle had agreed with this decision, the announcement could only have been made after the ministry presented a proposal and the cabinet approved it. Given the sensitivity of tax rates, it is customary not to publicize decisions prior to formal approval. However, without any initiative from the Ministry of Finance and without cabinet approval, the Prime Minister repeatedly announced via social media, which signals his dissatisfaction with the most senior minister.

On the other hand, there has been no apparent response from the Finance Minister following the Prime Minister’s announcement. While it is possible the decision might not be implemented, the Prime Minister has the authority to make decisions within the legal and constitutional framework in the prime ministerial system. He could also present proposals to the cabinet and decide accordingly.

As the Prime Minister stated on Facebook, the additional 3 percent tax imposed on private education and health services increased the burden on citizens, sparking public opposition. Economists also opposed these taxes. Senior economist Dr. Dilliraj Khanal expressed that by increasing tax compliance and offering tax relief, greater revenue could be generated, and taxing education, health, and electricity was inappropriate. Public opposition emerged, given that service fees paid by patients were included within the tax framework. Many argued it was wrong to tax educational expenses in a context where one in five students attends private schools. Dr. Khanal said, “The Prime Minister’s decision to revoke the tax as per public expectation was appropriate, and I welcome it.”

Although the budget presented to Parliament on 15th Jestha included provisions for the education and health equality fee, implementation only started on 1st Shrawan. Upon the onset of protests, the Prime Minister decided to withdraw the tax. He stated, “This government is a people-centric government based on public trust and expectations, so the protested tax was withdrawn.”

The purpose of the tax was to provide quality education and health services to citizens in remote areas, support Dalit, marginalized, and impoverished children, and expand health insurance coverage. It also aimed to establish a structured economy by broadening the tax base. However, following public opposition, the government has taken the matter seriously and is committed to moving forward while listening to citizen demands, the Prime Minister stated on social media.

But why was this decision, purportedly in response to public expectations, abruptly made without following proper procedures? What is the legally required process for repealing taxes and modifying rates established by the economic bill passed by Parliament?

Worldwide, tax rates are considered a government prerogative. Governments can modify tax rates approved by Parliament, but must follow legally established procedures to inform Parliament. Under Section 18 of the Economic Act in Nepal, the cabinet may reduce, increase, or exempt taxes, but only after receiving a proposal from the Ministry of Finance. The cabinet then makes its decision based on the proposal.

However, regarding the repeal of the education and health equality fee, sources confirm that no proposal has been submitted, nor has any cabinet decision been made. Any change to tax rates or exemptions must then be presented to the federal Parliament, and information published in the Nepal Gazette.

According to Section 5 of the Economic Bill, any details of reduced, increased, or exempted tax rates must be submitted annually by the Ministry of Finance to the federal Parliament. Section 6 mandates publication in the Nepal Gazette.

Changes to the VAT imposed on electricity are also under consideration. Like the education and health equality fee, there has been strong opposition against the 5 and 13 percent VAT on electricity. Finance Minister Wagle imposed VAT on electricity used by both rich and poor after granting a 10 percent income tax exemption to the highest income group. Due to rising opposition, discussions are ongoing between the Ministry of Finance and the Inland Revenue Department regarding VAT modification.

According to ministry sources, “Currently, electricity consumption below 50 units is exempt from VAT. Discussions are underway to increase this exemption to 150 units or remove VAT entirely, but no decision has been reached yet.”